Photo Courtesy of Google
The alleged attack took place early Sunday morning at this Rockaway Park deli.
By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Tuesday that Saber Abuhamra and Jorge Hernandez have been charged with assault and strangulation after they allegedly came out from behind the counter at a Rockaway Park deli and attacked a customer who complained about his food last weekend and now is fighting for his life.
Abuhamra, 34, and Jorge Hernandez, 23, both of Far Rockaway, were arraigned Tuesday on charges of assault in the second degree, strangulation in the second degree and assault in the third degree.
According to the charges:
Photo Courtesy of DA Katz
“We will hold these defendants accountable,” DA Katz pledged.
On June 11, between 4:50 a.m. and 5:15 a.m., Jorge Hernandez, a worker at the Pickles and Pies Food Market and Deli at 202 Beach 116th St. in Rockaway Park, punched 31-year-old James Keena of Arverne and pushed him, causing him to hit his head on a counter. Hernandez then put his arm around Keena’s neck and held him on the floor while Abuhamra punched and kicked him in the head and stomach.
Hernandez continued holding his arm around Keena’s neck and Abuharma continued punching and kicking him for several minutes after he lost consciousness and began seizing and shaking.
Keena was taken to the hospital in critical condition and placed on life support because he was unable to breathe on his own.
“This is yet another instance where a seemingly minor dispute escalated into serious physical violence,” Katz said. “We will hold these defendants accountable.”
If convicted, Abuhamra and Hernandez each face up to seven years in prison.
